The aphorism, "It takes as entire village to raise a child," originated in an African village. But it just as easily could have come from Winnetka. The maxim expands upon what Carleton Washburne once called the "exchange of faith" between the school and the community.

Today, Winnetka's schools embrace the values of the community in fostering the development of whole people who are critical thinkers with compassion, creativity, and a sense of their place in the world. In turn, the community helps the schools realize their shared vision with citizen involvement and public and private financial support.

The ideal of a "community of learners" informs the philosophy and day-to-day teaching of the Winnetka Public Schools. Committed to excellence through growth and innovation, the Winnetka Public Schools face the next century with eagerness and confidence.